Beltronics GX65 initial review

[J08M3]

So yesterday I received my new Beltronics GX 65 to be used instead of my V1. Here is my first impressions of the new detector after only a couple of short rides through town. I will compare to V1 since that's what it's replacing and most people are familiar with.

First impression after opening the box:
Slightly skinnier than V1, but slightly longer. It's lighter and it's plastic which gives the impression that it's cheaper and not as durable as V1, but I suspect that is not the case. Overall quality does look nice and seems there will be no issue in durability since it'll get mounted to my windshield I wouldn't want to drop any detector no matter who makes it.

Installation:
Extremely easy. I have it hardwired above my rearview in same location V1 was located. I was even able to use my hardwire from my V1 since both detectors have the same telephone plug for power. A couple of downfalls here compared to V1. First, is the way it hangs from the mounting bracket for some reason is making it impossible to mount perfectly straight, it keeps facing just a bit toward my passenger and even if I adjust the suction cups to change the angle in then is off level from left to right. The mounting bracket also has a little play in it and with a light touch from your hand you can shake the detector from side to side. V1 has a much nicer and tighter fitting mounting bracket. Second downfall is all the buttons are located on top of this detector forcing me to mount it slightly lower on the windshield as opposed to V1 where the single control in on the face so you can mount it higher for a cleaner look.

First Ride:
It took a good five minutes or more the first time for the GPS to receive a signal, which had me slightly worried this would be a downfall. But every time I've started the car since it has only taken a few seconds. I haven't encountered any cops with it yet. But have passed numerous spots known to me to produce false alarms with my V1. A couple were radar speed signs my town has installed. It seems a little less sensitive than the V1 to first get a signal from these, but had they been a cop I still had more than enough warning. Once I stored these locations in GPS it was silent the next time I passed by. I also drove by a few stores that always set off my V1, one set off my GX 65, but I had to be closer than with the V1. Again I stored this location and the next pass by was quiet. Another store that always sets my V1 off was not even detected by the GX 65. Although it was nice to have it quiet it made me wonder if it's a sign it might not detect as cop as well.

Conclusion:
So far I'm very pleased with this detector. It's quite a relief to be able to drive without keeping one of my hands on the V1 mute button all the time. The quietness is a nice change. It seems part of the false alarms are not just eliminated by GPS, but by slightly less sensitivity. But that's ok because the actual radar alarms alerted me in more than enough time to change speed if necessary. It even has a cool feature to show you your speed by GPS so you don't have to look down when you get an alert. I must also mention that I had it on Autoscan No X instead of Highway sensitivity. If I switch to Highway it might pick up the alarms just as early as V1, I'll have to try it. The arrows of the V1 are nice, but I'm happy to trade arrows for no false alerts. After some more time with it I'll post more review. I can't wait till my first encounter with a cop. So far it's a keeper and a nice upgrade.

[ACZakka325i]

Thanks for the review. The GPS function has me thinking about an escort.

[TLud]

Nice writeup. I just installed (hardwired) an Escort 9500ix in my car this morning. Once I've had a chance to set it up and play with it, I'll post some reviews.

[J08M3]

Originally Posted by TLud

Nice writeup. I just installed (hardwired) an Escort 9500ix in my car this morning. Once I've had a chance to set it up and play with it, I'll post some reviews.

After a bit of research I believe they are the same detector? If you look up their websites
Escort:
http://www.escortradar.com/9500ix.htm
Beltronics:
https://www.beltronics.com/store/gx-65.html

Everything about the two detectors is identical, including buttons, programable options, display choices (except one is red the other blue), Specs are exactly the same, and both have the same owners manual exactly word for word. Both even have the same mounting hardware. Only they seem to both come in a slightly different shape.

[TLud]

Originally Posted by J08M3

After a bit of research I believe they are the same detector? If you look up their websites
Escort:
http://www.escortradar.com/9500ix.htm
Beltronics:
https://www.beltronics.com/store/gx-65.html

Everything about the two detectors is identical, including buttons, programable options, display choices (except one is red the other blue), Specs are exactly the same, and both have the same owners manual exactly word for word. Both even have the same mounting hardware. Only they seem to both come in a slightly different shape.

They are basically the same detector, but with the following differences:

• Exterior appearance/case is different.
• Escort 9500ix has a blue display, while Beltronics GX-65 has a red display.
• 9500ix has both auto-learn and manual lockout, but GX-65 only has manual lockout (if you pass by the same false alert on three consecutive trips, the 9500ix will automatically learn and lockout that false alert -- don't have to mark it manually).
• 9500ix has expert mode (tracks multiple bogeys on the same band), while GX-65 does not.

I figured that the last two features are definitely worth the extra $30 (although I would prefer a red display).

[J08M3]

Auto-learn doesn't really matter to me. I know most of my false spots and program them myself on the first pass.

Expert mode... hmm... I'm not sure how necessary this is? When I spoke to Beltronics before ordering my GX65 I asked them what happens if I have a known false alarm location locked out what happens if a cop is sitting close by with radar? They told me it would still alert me to the radar because when you first store the location the detector takes a "snapshot" of the area and if anything changes i.e. a new alert or cop in the area of the false alarm it will still alert me because it won't match the original information that was stored. So I'm not sure if there's another advantage to expert mode?

[TLud]

Originally Posted by J08M3

Auto-learn doesn't really matter to me. I know most of my false spots and program them myself on the first pass.

Expert mode... hmm... I'm not sure how necessary this is? When I spoke to Beltronics before ordering my GX65 I asked them what happens if I have a known false alarm location locked out what happens if a cop is sitting close by with radar? They told me it would still alert me to the radar because when you first store the location the detector takes a "snapshot" of the area and if anything changes i.e. a new alert or cop in the area of the false alarm it will still alert me because it won't match the original information that was stored. So I'm not sure if there's another advantage to expert mode?

No need to justify your choice. The goal of my previous post was not to criticize the GX-65 (it's a great RD), but to provide complete information.

In the same spirit, the purpose of the expert mode has nothing to do with the lockout function. Rather, it helps you anytime you receive an alert from multiple sources, whether locked out or not. For example, you get an alert and you identify a potential source of the alert (either false or a bogey), but expert mode would help you identify a second source that you can't see. It would be relatively rare that you would need this feature, but I'm a big fan of having as many options and as much information as possible.

EDIT: I plan on posting a separate thread for the Escort, similar to the one you posted, and starting still another thread for the Valentine 1. My hope is that we can include links to all of these reviews (and PencilGeek's review of the 9500ci) in a main thread complete with DIY instructions, which can be made a sticky. Sort of a one stop resource for radar detector information.

[TLud]

J08M3, I forgot to ask: did you hardwire your GX-65 or use the cigarette power adapter?

[J08M3]

Wasn't meant to come off as a justification to why I chose the GX65. I was just discussing the feature in writing so people could read my thoughts on it.

Just thinking about this expert feature though and how it could be beneficial. I never store a location until I'm positive it's a false. Once stored if any changes happen in that location such as another source for an alert, the detector still will alert me. Hmmm... Maybe I'm missing the point of this particular feature?? Although I do have to admit the bogey counter on the V1 was nice, because it made deciphering false alerts on the first encounter much easier.

I have it hardwired to the wire I originally used for my V1, since both detectors use the same adapter for power, the telephone end.

I wish V1 offered GPS though. Even on Highway mode during todays drive it still failed to alert me of really weak false's that my V1 would. Nice cause that's what helps eliminate false alarms, but makes me wonder if it will detect cops from as far away as the V1

[TLud]

Originally Posted by J08M3

Just thinking about this expert feature though and how it could be beneficial. I never store a location until I'm positive it's a false. Once stored if any changes happen in that location such as another source for an alert, the detector still will alert me. Hmmm... Maybe I'm missing the point of this particular feature?? Although I do have to admit the bogey counter on the V1 was nice, because it made deciphering false alerts on the first encounter much easier.

Exactly, expert mode essentially operates as a bogey counter, and helps you analyze the different threats based on their bands and frequencies.

Originally Posted by J08M3

I wish V1 offered GPS though. Even on Highway mode during todays drive it still failed to alert me of really weak false's that my V1 would. Nice cause that's what helps eliminate false alarms, but makes me wonder if it will detect cops from as far away as the V1

I don't think either the Escort or the Bel will alert as quickly as the V1 in many circumstances. Whether that's a function of the V1 simply being more sensitive or additional processing done pre-alert by the Escort/Bel is the subject of much debate. Personally, I'm willing to sacrifice some range (as long as I still have plenty of time to slow down) for the numerous extra features and fewer false alerts of the Escort/Bel.

[J08M3]

Originally Posted by TLud

Personally, I'm willing to sacrifice some range (as long as I still have plenty of time to slow down) for the numerous extra features and fewer false alerts of the Escort/Bel.

+1 That's how I'm feeling about the subject lately also. My decision to change from the V1 was because 95% of my driving is around town. I like the high sensitivity of the V1 on the highway. But feel this detector will provide me with more than enough warning for any real radar threat.

[TLud]

Now you just have to update your sig.

[J08M3]

So I'm back to my V1. I tried out the GX 65 for the 30 day money back period and decided it's not quite up to the V1. I just wish V1 had a GPS feature in it. I really missed the arrows. Some people call them a gimmick, but there's been times I was cruising on the highway and had a cop behind me with his radar on. I had a constant signal on my V1 but was able to locate where it was coming from. I would never have been able to do this without the arrows. Also The higher sensitivity of the V1 seems better to me than the quietness of the GX65. I just decided when I'm driving around town to turn the volume of the V1 down so the false alerts wouldn't be annoying. The GPS feature in the GX 65 didn't always remember known false alarms. If I happened to be in a slightly different location before the first signal was received (due to different amounts of traffic or obstructons) the GPS wouldn't block the alert. I also didn't like the controls being on top. I had to mount the detector lower than my V1.

[ersin]

Originally Posted by J08M3

I just wish V1 had a GPS feature in it.

You might want to look at this. Although I'd rather not have it in a mirror but a separate display like the V1 remote display. I hear they are coming out with such a device and I might just get one if they do. Good luck.

Edit: V1 (and other detector) integration is an option.

[RaDaRkInG]

Originally Posted by ersin

You might want to look at this. Although I'd rather not have it in a mirror but a separate display like the V1 remote display. I hear they are coming out with such a device and I might just get one if they do. Good luck.

Edit: V1 (and other detector) integration is an option.

That is the UK link, below is the U.S. link.

http://www.gpsdetector.com/scshop/pa...gpsmirror.html

[ersin]

Originally Posted by RaDaRkInG

That is the UK link, below is the U.S. link.

http://www.gpsdetector.com/scshop/pa...gpsmirror.html

Sorry about that. Thanks for putting up the correct link. BTW, the box unit (non-mirror) is available. I'm not sure if it integrates with the V1 for automute.

Edit: http://www.cheetahusa.com/ is also a US supplier of this. Is it the same company as gpsdetector.com?

[J08M3]

One more point about the GX 65

They say you can update the software from your computer. What they don't say until you register the already purchased product is you need a PC not a Mac. I emailed them about this and they never responded. I only use Mac's.

V1 went with me for a ride on the highway today where there were multiple speed traps set close to each other. I can't tell you how handy the bogey counter and arrows were as I was still receiving signal from one I past as I was approaching a new one.

[ersin]

I use a Mac too. But I also have VM Fusion which lets me run PC software. I have a Win2000, an XP, and several Linux VM's. The PC programs seems to work pretty good, even with USB peripherals.

Back on topic: I'm pretty sure that to update the database in the Belscort units you'll need to buy a subscription every year, or 5 years or whatever. With the cheetah devices, upgrades are free for life.

[aelalfy1989]

Originally Posted by J08M3

So yesterday I received my new Beltronics GX 65 to be used instead of my V1. Here is my first impressions of the new detector after only a couple of short rides through town. I will compare to V1 since that's what it's replacing and most people are familiar with.

First impression after opening the box:
Slightly skinnier than V1, but slightly longer. It's lighter and it's plastic which gives the impression that it's cheaper and not as durable as V1, but I suspect that is not the case. Overall quality does look nice and seems there will be no issue in durability since it'll get mounted to my windshield I wouldn't want to drop any detector no matter who makes it.

Installation:
Extremely easy. I have it hardwired above my rearview in same location V1 was located. I was even able to use my hardwire from my V1 since both detectors have the same telephone plug for power. A couple of downfalls here compared to V1. First, is the way it hangs from the mounting bracket for some reason is making it impossible to mount perfectly straight, it keeps facing just a bit toward my passenger and even if I adjust the suction cups to change the angle in then is off level from left to right. The mounting bracket also has a little play in it and with a light touch from your hand you can shake the detector from side to side. V1 has a much nicer and tighter fitting mounting bracket. Second downfall is all the buttons are located on top of this detector forcing me to mount it slightly lower on the windshield as opposed to V1 where the single control in on the face so you can mount it higher for a cleaner look.

First Ride:
It took a good five minutes or more the first time for the GPS to receive a signal, which had me slightly worried this would be a downfall. But every time I've started the car since it has only taken a few seconds. I haven't encountered any cops with it yet. But have passed numerous spots known to me to produce false alarms with my V1. A couple were radar speed signs my town has installed. It seems a little less sensitive than the V1 to first get a signal from these, but had they been a cop I still had more than enough warning. Once I stored these locations in GPS it was silent the next time I passed by. I also drove by a few stores that always set off my V1, one set off my GX 65, but I had to be closer than with the V1. Again I stored this location and the next pass by was quiet. Another store that always sets my V1 off was not even detected by the GX 65. Although it was nice to have it quiet it made me wonder if it's a sign it might not detect as cop as well.

Conclusion:
So far I'm very pleased with this detector. It's quite a relief to be able to drive without keeping one of my hands on the V1 mute button all the time. The quietness is a nice change. It seems part of the false alarms are not just eliminated by GPS, but by slightly less sensitivity. But that's ok because the actual radar alarms alerted me in more than enough time to change speed if necessary. It even has a cool feature to show you your speed by GPS so you don't have to look down when you get an alert. I must also mention that I had it on Autoscan No X instead of Highway sensitivity. If I switch to Highway it might pick up the alarms just as early as V1, I'll have to try it. The arrows of the V1 are nice, but I'm happy to trade arrows for no false alerts. After some more time with it I'll post more review. I can't wait till my first encounter with a cop. So far it's a keeper and a nice upgrade.

How come its not undetectable. I live in toronto and I need the features of the GX65 in the STI driver version. Is the GX65 the latest product? and if so how come they didn't make it undetectable instead they made it plastic?